I Don’t Have the Patience
I never realized how often I answered the question, “Where do your kids go to school?” until I pulled them out of the public school system to homeschool. Now I dread the question. It’s one of those questions that you never know the response you’re going to get.
In fact it brings back some painful memories of my youth when I was at the dating age. I would be talking to a cute boy and somehow, just before (I was certain) he was going to ask me out, the conversation would shift to my dad. The cute boy would say something like, “What does your dad do for a living?” And I would respond in a whisper, “Um, well, uh, he’s a pastor.” Yep, that pretty much ended all dates before they even started.
With the homeschooling question it goes one of two ways. The conversation either takes an abrupt turn in another direction, or the mom (usually it’s a mom) responds, “Oh, I don’t have the patience for that.”
In my head I’m thinking: Why do you feel you need to tell me that? I didn’t realize we were confessing our struggles regarding the Fruits of the Spirit.
I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand the responses I get about homeschooling, but I do know as a mother, I find myself stumbling into the sin of comparison. I wonder what other mothers think of me as I walk this homeschool path. What I’ve discovered is that you and I are not that different at all.
Homeschooling is not for every student, but as mothers we are wired for teaching. In fact, I believe every mother homeschools. We are the ones who teach our children about God, and manners, to walk, talk, potty train and interact socially. And I’m certain that we’ve all struggled with patience as we’ve taught those skills. We are our children’s first, and in my opinion, best teacher they’ll ever have.
Whatever your children’s education looks like, whether it’s in a classroom outside the home or inside the home, God has given you an amazing, sometimes overwhelming, assignment to teach them. Is it intimidating at times? Yes. Does it test your patience every minute? Yes. Does the task at hand cause fear, heartache, comparison, inadequacy, and doubt? All the time. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a NKJ
Krista, I remember so well the conversation we had at dinner when we visited with you in CA. You are a remarkable mom whose relationship with your daughters will one day bring a awesome relationship know as daughter/friendship. How very special it is now to savor and grow that relationship as you teach them not just from books but the everyday ventures in life. I am so proud of you and as they moved ahead of all the ‘school’ children, your concern will be dealing with the pride you will have as they excel and move ahead in all areas of life, while others moms are still struggling for communication, I can’t wait to see who they become as young women tackling the world for our Lord. We continue to pray for your family and miss times with you.
nb
Thank you for your kind words, Nita. Oh how I miss you and Guy!
Amen, sister! I get those same comments and worry about people’s reactions to homeschooling too. I can’t tell you how many times people have commended me for homeschooling all the while telling me how they could never do that. Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing.
We know quite a few families who homeschool for various reasons. Having seen their children thrive in the real world post high school graduation, I respect their decision. Their kids were able to study and surpass peers in “sit-down” school. And, when a parent noticed their child getting “stuck” on a concept, they didn’t ignore it. These kids get to travel and see the world instead of just read about it in an old book or online. They get to use whatever tools they need to suite their learning style. I know one kid who was able to get a high-tech programming job after graduating. He had the time in homeschool to learn real-life/applicable skills for the high-tech job, not just entry level. Obviously, he did well on the tech interview. Congrats for caring so much about your kids.
So true Krista! We all “homeschool” our kids, some of us just choose to walk the academic side as well! Looking forward to reading about your journey more! Blessings! Miss ya!